Unjustified divorce is equated with covering one’s garment with violence. That is, those who put away their wives without due cause are committing a crime that leaves them guilty of grave injustice. When a person becomes violent, usually there is outward evidence thereof. For example, a man who gets into a physical fight with another man will likely bear cuts and bruises on his face. He may have blood on his hands (Isaiah 59:3) or on his clothing. His clothes may be soiled from wrestling in the dirt, or his clothes may be ripped and torn. The point is that a man’s unjustified divorce of his wife is an act of violence and does great injury to his wife. This is especially true in ancient Israel, where a wife depended upon her husband to provide and protect. A woman unjustly divorced would suffer greatly, and God would hold the husband accountable for her suffering.
16 “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the LORD, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”